#I think that if Eurylochus lived after that

[moonperil6]

Blessed by a Trickster

Chapter One: The Voice in my Head is Laughing at me

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Warnings: Reader is struggling with a voice in her head, but that's it

Word count: 979

Listen to: The Horse and the Infant

“Alright my brothers, listen closely.”

Your head snapped up at the sound of Odyseus’s words.

“Tonight we make the Trojans pay. Ten years of war they’ve killed us slowly.”

You let yourself close your eyes, thinking of all the times you had been weak and starved and miserable. Oh, how badly you wanted to inflict all of those feelings on the Trojans.

“But now we’ll be the ones who slay.”

A smile played across your lips.

“Think of your wives and your… children.” Odysseus faltered a bit when his gaze caught on you. You didn’t have a husband or a significant other. You were alone except for him, Eurylochus, and Polites.

He quickly regained his composure. “Your families wonder where you’ve been.”

“They’re growing old and yet you’re still here. Do what I say and you’ll see them again.”

Your eyes flew open, revealing a determined look in your eyes as you said with the rest of the crew, “Yes sir!”

“Diomedes will lead the charge, Agamemnon will flank the guards. Menelaus will let our mates through the gates to take the whole city at large. Y/N will shoot any ambush attack, and little Ajax will stay back. Nestor, secure Helen and protect her. Neo, avenge your father, kill the brothers of Hector.”

You drew an arrow from your quiver and shot a grin at Ajax. You were an outstanding archer, but the job could get lonely at times. You were glad that Little Ajax would be keeping you company, even if he wasn’t helping. He smiled right back at you, visibly relaxing.

“Yes, sir!”

“Find that inner strength now.” Odysseus drew his blade, making a rather eerie sound. “Use that well of pride. Fight through every pain now. Ask yourself inside.”

He stalked through the lines, stopping in front of you and Eurylochus. “What do you live for? What do you try for? What do you wish for? What do you fight for?”

You straightened, dipping your head in respect to your leader as you repeated the lines with the rest of the army, “What do you live for? What do you try for? What do you wish for? What do you fight for?”

Odysseus turned and you marched after him in turn with Eurylochus, who gave you a grim smile. “What do you live for?” You and your comrades said again.

“Penelope,” Odysseus murmured so softly in response, that only you and Eurylochus could possibly hear.

“What do you try for?”

“Telemachus.”

You drew your bow.

“What do you wish for?”

“I’m on my way.”

You notched your arrow.

“What do you fight for?”

“Attack!”

The men charged forward, while you picked your way to a higher vantage point. After a while, Polites joined you, guarding your back from stray swords and wild arrows. Your free hand gripped Little Ajax’s until you reached the top.

You let go of the small boy’s hand and taunt your bowstring. But instead of shooting, you glanced over your shoulder at Polites and offered your friend a small smile. “You should go now,” you said.

He shook his head. “Odysseus said to guard you, and I will.”

Your smile turned into an irritated scowl, but you turned your attention back to the battlefield below you; you knew there was no point in arguing.

You saw a man going to strike Neo while his back was turned. Coward, you thought bitterly, releasing the arrow. 

The arrow met its mark, as did all the others you shot. 

A couple of times Polites actually did come in handy, cutting away arrows that came whizzing toward you while your focus was mainly on the fight progressing below you. 

Each time he did this, you gave him such a genuinely grateful smile that it made his heart melt and his cheeks flush. Did you not know your own power over him when you smiled like that?

Suddenly everything was so silent you could hear a pin drop.

You followed all of the warrior’s gazes up to a balcony. The scene made you gasp.

There Odysseus stood, his face streaked with tears as he looked down at the bundle in his singular hand. The bundle hanging dangerously above a perilous drop. 

An infant.

For a moment Odysseus looked as if he might retract his hand and bring the baby back to his arms, but in this moment you had a second of clarity.

“This mere infant will grow into an avenger,” a voice spoke, clear as a running stream inside your head. While what it spoke of was so serious, the mysterious voice was followed up by a fit of giggles. “You must choose: kill the infant and save your friend, or don’t act and watch your king die. Consider carefully!” Then one last laugh and the voice in your head was gone.

You repositioned your bow, your fingernails digging into your palm as you aimed your arrow at the bundle, at the thin piece of fabric that Odysseus was dangling over a fatal drop.

“Y/N?” Polites asked. “What are you doing?”

Your only response was a soft whisper, “I’m sorry.” And then you shot.

Your arrow found its mark, tearing into the cloth that connected the swaddle to Odysseus’s hand. 

You watched the infant fall, faster and faster until it met the ground. Your heart fell with it as you dropped your bow and clutched your head.

“Y/N?” You faintly heard Polites’s voice. He was right next to you, wasn’t he? Why did it seem like he was calling from so far away?

“You can’t break now,” the voice from before entered your thoughts once more, without permission again. “You have to get up. Your friends still need you. The war may be over, but it’s not over for you. Get up.” Then, like the first time, the voice dissolved into obnoxious laughter.

[room-temperature-orange-juice]

Something that should be more talked about in the Epic fandom is how Odysseus canonically beats Eurylochus in a fight. If it weren’t for Perimedes, Odysseus would’ve won in Mutiny and killed Eurylochus.

[fluffypotatey]

I wonder if there’s a part of Eurylochus that resents Polites

[itsabouttimex2]

What do you think would make Odysseus a yandere?

I think it would happen right after he drops Scamandrius from the walls of Troy.

That little baby, already so loved that he had inspired a nickname from his father, his people- “Astyanax”, detailing what he; as the firstborn son of Troy’s heir apparent, was set to become- king, ruler, overlord.

And Odysseus kills him.

Not because he wants to, but because he is, at the end of the day, just a man. A selfish man who loves himself and his soldiers and his home, but not nearly as much as he loves his son and his wife.

The only thing that breaks him from the harrowing thought that a like-minded man might be doing the same thing to his own son miles away is a broken wail cutting through somber silence.

Odysseus turns, feet heavier than his heart, hesitant to see not what, but who he already knows is behind him.

Andromache running towards him. He sees her, wrapped in loose white robes, arms held close to her chest, tears running down her face, closer and closer to him- barefoot and broken.

And realizes that she’s not coming at him, not coming for revenge or catharsis or some measure of score-settling, but instead she’s headed for the rim of the stone wall that her son was dropped from, intending to plunge the same misty heights and fade into the swallowing vale below.

She leaps in a blitz of white silk, looking so much like an angel descending that Odysseus nearly misses his chance to reach for her in a sort of awe- though her enthralling beauty pales in comparison to his Penelope, it spurs him to try and catch the grieving wife, mother, queen.

The Itchacan king reaches for her hands and snags a bundle of white instead, accidentally tearing it from her grasp and leaving her to plummet without whatever had been so dear that she would take it to the grave held against her heart.

And after the shock has worn off, after his soldiers have moved from wide-eyed gasping and into solemnly shaking their heads at the waste of good life, after Polites calls for him to please come down and come back to the ship, Odysseus takes a moment to unwrap that little bundle with a heavy heart.

Another child, even younger than the first, blissfully asleep in spite of the carnage and ruin around them.

This time, there’s no god or soothsayer or prophet to chime in his ear an order or command, leaving Odysseus on the edge of a very welcoming ledge, contemplating his decisions as the soldiers below grow anxious at the grief in their captain’s eyes.

Polites coaxes him down again, this time even more gently, so the king wraps you back up and heads for the stairs.

His second-in-command waits for him at the beach, having paid last respects to both Andromache and her beloved son, both wrapped in a tattered sail and covered in rocks to keep all but the most determined of predators away- he and his brothers-in-arms did what they could, and even now spill wine in the sand around them.

It’s not much, but they did their best. That’s all any man can do in this situation.

Eurylochus doesn’t like the haunted look in his captain’s eyes, how his fingers twitch around the bundle of cloth, how he can’t bear to look at the impromptu grave of two innocent souls.

Nobody does.

But the deed is done, the blood is spilled, and dawn breaks soon. There’s no time for questions, no time for further delays. Home is waiting.

Six hundred families are waiting for six hundred tired soldiers, hoping to welcome them with open arms and settle for boring times.

So there’s no hesitating or comprehending or deciding. The bundle doesn’t protest, and neither do his men. No one questions the impromptu addition to the crew.

A living reminder of all the children they orphaned, even if indirectly. Bringing you along is a form of penance that none confess to wanting.

Odysseus holds the infant close as he returns to the ship, wood creaking under the boots of soldiers boarding in lockstep, heavy as his conscience and heart.

…he’ll need to think of a name for you.

[very-gay-poet]

okay but like when Eurylochus said "but we'll die" in thunder bringer he wasn't begging for life (he said it himself, for a while now has he not believed they'd get home so that's why he's done what he's done, he hasn't explicitly said he wants to die but its pretty clear he doesn't mind dying at this point) or trying to reason with Odysseus because he knew exactly who Odysseus was going to choose. If he was going to die, he wanted to hear Odysseus admit that he was about to kill his entire crew on purpose with full knowledge. I draw to this conclusion from Mutiny:

"Tell me you did not know that would happen/ Tell me you didn't know how that would end"

he was making sure that Ody admitted that he has thought this through, and knows what the consequences of his actions are gonna be. no lying to anymore Gods on why he did what he did, no lying to Eurylochus's waiting wife that "he had no choice", because he has. He just doesn't like the fact he can chose.

With Poseidon killing his crew, he could argue that he had nothing to do with it, that he didn't know that it would happen and I think Eurylochus being the first person to talk in Mutiny and to say that, suggests that its what Odysseus had told the remainder of the crew after Poseidon. He had no idea that it would happen (didn't know that the Cyclops was a kid of Poseidon and telling his name and letting him live would doom the crew) and had no idea how it could've ended (Poseidon killing the crew in result) all to protect Odysseus's conscience.

Same with the infant, it wasn't much of a choice, let the baby live and protect his conscience, or doom his entire kingdom, crew and future. He could've argued that he was taking orders from Zeus and that he couldn't ignore the king of the gods. Just a Man is literally that. He's just a man, he's not a god, just taking orders from one, he had no power in this situation and didn't get a choice.

But now he has. and Eurylochus is going to make him admit it so everyone knows, so that Odysseus never forgets that he had a choice.

and Odysseus grants that wish, it isn't a coincidence that that's Eurylochus's last words, in his life and in the show, in Odysseus granting him his wish, he can finally die in peace. And Odysseus grants the wish because he is looking right at them as they die, he sees the light leave their eyes; he can't lie about this one and he won't. That's the last thing Eurylochus ever said to him, and the guilt would eat him alive if he lied about what happened.

No protecting your conscience now Ody, about time you took accountability for all the deaths that happened on this journey.

[rin-solo]

Finally, I am happy to present to you my ...

EPIC: THE MUSICAL | ACT I [Character Design project]

I have been working on these for a long time and I am very happy with how these turned out. I am a huge fan of visual character design and I simply needed to do a full lineup.

Act II will follow shortly (it is all done except for Ithaca Saga, which I will add as soon as it drops.) Please enjoy, and read below for some thoughts and background on some of my design choices!

TROY | CYCLOPS ft. Odysseus, Athena, Eurylochus, and Polites

With Odysseus, I really wanted to emphasize his free spirit in this era and mark him as Athena's warrior, so I gave him a special belt and some armbands that represent her (this was inspired by some of @mircsy's work). He also has heterochromia; his left eye is green, representing his cunning, wisdom, and spirit; his right eye is gray, representing his ruthlessness and warrior side.

I simply love Athena in purple/gold. Her mask is a symbol of her invulnerability and comes off only during "My Goodbye" when Odysseus tells her that she's alone. Her cape can also transform into wings, and her eyes are actually golden without the mask.

I had to give Eurylochus his large anime sword (it's just as heavy as it looks but he likes it that way because that means no one besides him is strong enough to wield it ... I imagine Eurylochus can bench press at least Odysseus' and Polites' weights combined. He and Polites are also wearing variants of Odysseus' armor, indicating that they belong to the same army.

Listen, I can vibe with Eurylochus' giant sword but I draw the line at Polites with glasses, sorry. He still gets the hairband, of course. He's also dressed more casually, and without a weapon, because of his pacifistic outlook. He's the physically weakest among the trio by far but also still an inch taller than Odysseus (it's fine, Odysseus is still like 5'10, his friends are just all so freaking tall...)

OCEAN ft. Aeolus, Poseidon, and Odysseus

Not gonna lie, I LOVED designing Aeolus' outfit. She's playful and mischievous and loves to hang out in the clouds all day; her outfit is probably made out of clouds let's be real. Also yes, her image on the windbag moves to make cheeky faces.

Poseidon I cannot imagine without tentacles anymore thanks to @gigizetz's "Ruthlessness", idk it just fits him so well. He definitely got all dressed up to go and sink Odysseus' fleet that day, he has a reputation, you know? And he just likes the shiny gold and accessories; the ocean is full of them so why wouldn't he?

Since breaking up with Athena, Odysseus lost her belt and armbands. He's still wearing her brooch because he couldn't bring himself to fully throw that away as well yet. Polites' hairband around his wrist reminds him of what he's fighting for and what to live by ... for now (Poseidon is about to ruin this man's whole career...)

CIRCE | UNDERWORLD ft. Circe, Hermes, and Tiresias

I wanted to give Circe the "witch" vibe while putting a Greek spin on it and I actually adore her design. She seems both immortally youthful (something I aim for with all my god designs) and motherly. There she was, gathering some herbs when a bunch of strangers crash onto her island ... Oh well, at least this man was a good man this time.

Hermes is kind of just Hermes. I wanted to keep him shaded, a bit impish, and definitely up to no good. He's wearing the contrasting colors on purpose, by the way. And yes, his hat can fly on its own ... But for it to do that he'd have to actually be willing to show his face which he seldom does unless he really trusts you.

Tiresias is a soul, so he has the same kind of ageless youth as all my gods (something that goes for souls of dead people too, since I like to think they get to appear at whatever age they want after death.) He's looking a bit regal since he's a prophet, so I imagine regarded highly, even in the Underworld. Instead of the blindfold, his hood covers his face, adorned with a symbolic eye to identify him and his skill.

***

Well, that's it for ACT I, friends, I hope you liked these! I will upload ACT II asap. Please comment and/or tell me your thoughts about my designs! And feel free to ask any questions you may have! I would love to talk more about these.

[heyyallitssatan]

Ok so, I want a warrior Penelope au, but Odysseus is still a warrior

Odysseus, student of Athena, warrior of the mind, foretold to changes the tides of mankind and the divine

Penelope, students of Ares, warrior of the heart, foretold to change the battles of men and gods alike

Together they will revolutionise war and fighting and ruling, they will change the world, warriors of the heart and mind

So I thought maybe Penelope would go with him to Troy, but then I realised that ruins everything, so instead she still stays behind with their newborn son and Odysseus promises to return before the boy even knows he’s gone

He doesn’t

So warrior Penelope had a choice to make, she can stay with her son, raise him and rule the kingdom (the people can complain all they want, who’s gonna stop her), and then when the suitors arrive instead of proposing the never ending weaving thing, she tells them whoever can best her in battle will win her hand (because she knows that only one man ever will) also, Telemachus becomes a warrior of both the heart and mind, taking the best strategic parts of Odysseus and the strongest parts of Penelope, becoming a warrior unrivalled by all but god kin, so when Odysseus does return home there are no suitors to kill, but she does make him best her in battle, they tie and she knows it’s really him and they live happily ever after (also Eurylochus doesn’t open the wind bag, they still get detoured either by someone else doing it or by some godly shenanigans, but those bitches do it together, Odysseus will return with most of his men in tow) (also also, he’s not a dumb fuck and doesn’t I cure the wrath of Poseidon, because he either kills Polyphemus or doesn’t tell him his name, they incur his wrath a different way that really just amounts to Poseidon being pissy and taking it out on the first human he finds)

Or, equally good, she sets out on her own venture to find her husband, her crew is fairly small in number, mostly warrior wives (because fuck you I do what I want there’s a coalition of warrior women in Ithaca now) including her right hand Ctimene, and her son Telemachus (she leaves the kingdom in the charge of someone she trusts I don’t care who right now), she starts searching for her husband, this leads to some absolute bullshit where through godly shenanigans and just generally shit terrible luck they keep missing each other just barely, but they’re too stubborn to go home so round and round they go, several years later they both manage themselves to the same island, so they’re together, but more shenanigans and it’s still several years more before they’re home to Ithaca, only to discover that in the mean time they’ve been declared dead and their kingdom’s been stolen, so the three of them literally fight their way to the throne and reclaim it

I like both models, I think both are nice

[ryoko1232]

Background, english is not my native language, i never promised something good, all I said is I wanted to write

(Also got no beta readers, this is RAW)

This is like chap 1/2

Unoriginal Idea : what if Polites and Odysseus ate the lotus fruit?

Slight NSFW (dw the smut is in chap 2 if i ever write it)

@jugganautism you wanted to see it here it is

1051 words (was losing motivation sorry)

“Here you go!” The lotus eater pushed fruit to their feet and Polites’s eyes lit up. “See? This life is amazing when we greet it with open arms!” Both Polites and Odysseus bit into the fruit as the Lotus eating creatures sang with Polites. “Whatever we face, we'll be fine if were leading from the heart!” Polites hugged Odysseus as he continued singing. “No matter the place, we can light up the world here's how to start!” Polites smiled as he looked Odysseus in the eyes. “Greet the world with open arms, greet the world with open arms!” Both men sang in unison.

They took a bunch of Lotus fruit, thanking the Lotus eaters as they left. Though after a few minutes, they fell, their heads were dizzy as they went unconscious. Waking up an hour later their minds were relaxed and… empty. “Ody!” Polites hugged Odysseus, kissing him on the neck and nuzzling him. Odysseus couldn't think any thoughts, it was so hard to think, but… why think when there was a pretty boy right infront of him.

Odysseus grabbed Polites’s face and started kissing it, guiding his tongue deep in his mouth. Polites almost started choking if they hadn't pulled apart, though, he was quick getting on top of Odysseus. They were very sticky since they fell on top of the Lotus fruit, that caused Polites's top to fall leaving his chest bare.

Odysseus quickly started to lick the fruit’s jam(?) off of Polites's peck. Feeling Ody’s tongue playing with his nipples made him whimper, he gasped when he started sucking. Moans could be heard as Polites slowly hump Ody, he started to warrant blood in his mouth due to the Lotus, but he felt too good to care. When Ody bit down, it caused Polites to jump away. Ody immediately went back onto Polites, kissing him once more. As they passionately made out, the crew wondered where they were.

“It's only hours away from sunrise, I should go look for them” Eurylochus announced, “disobeying captain? Really?” Perimedes replied. “Captain said to wait for him, it might be dangerous” Elpenor said behind Perimedes, causes him to respond with, “Obviously, its dangerous!”. “Ody is like a brother I cannot live without, knowing I could've save him from death is a worse pain then never going home” Eurylochus reasoned, Perimedes only tsked, “this is why you shouldn't have connections, you're getting yourself killed!”. “For the lives of my friends!” Eurylochus said, “As second to command you have no right to talk back, if I am not back when the sun directly above you, you have my permission to burn the island” he commanded the crew.

“If you don't return who will be the next captain?” Perimedes lit up, “I would suggest votings, though if Choosing one was obligated, my vote goes out to Menelaus” Eurylochus’s words caused an argument among the crew while he left, he heard Agamemnon shout “I SHOULD BE CAPTAIN, OBVIOUSLY!”.

Ody and Polites were cuddling up, Polites was nuzzling, kissing and lightly sucking Ody’s neck as he held him tight. They were surrounded by crushed Lotus fruit, a bit of blood stains from Ody’s bite and from a few scraps they got from rustling around in the grass. When Eurylochus found them he was horrified, “ODY! POLI! ARE YOU TWO OKAY??” He immediately went to their side.

“Eury!” Polites smiled and pulled him into the hug, Eurylochus sat up, and made sure the two followed. “What happened?” He asked, “Oh! Uhhhh… I don't know” Odysseus shrugged, Eury was scared that a witch had erased his memories. “Eury you should have some food!” Polites offered some Lotus fruit to Eury and he knew what happened. “Ody, Poli, please tell me you did not eat that” “why?” “Ody, look at the way the fruit is glowing and filled with glowing seeds” the gestured to the fruit in his hands “ it's a Lotus, it controls your minds and… never… lets you… leave…” Eurylochus realized what he was saying. Odysseus and Polites couldn't leave the spell of the fruit, they’re trapped.

No no no no no, he couldn't lose his friends… there- there has to be something they can do. “Ody, Poli, follow me” Eurylochus said though the two men showed no rush in getting up. “Why? Come on it's so relaxing here!” Polites smiled, leaning into Odysseus. Eurylochus needed to get going before their men lit the island up, so in desperation he picked both of them up and carried them to the ship. The crew was very surprised to see them. “Woah, what happened?” Menelaus asked, tears already prickling his eyes Eurylochus said “Th-they ate Lotus fruit! They're minds are trapped!”. “Lotus fruit…” the crew echoed, “told you they were gonna-” Elpenor shoved Peremides to stop him from continuing.

“Oh gods what am I gonna do-- how does one even undo a lotuses magic?? do we wait for it to wash off?? oh dear-” Eurylochus was panicking, while he was panicking Ody and Poli was back to making out. “WOULD YOU TWO STOP MAKING OUT SO LOUD I'M TRYING TO THINK HERE!” Eurylochus snapped at them. “Captain.. what's the funny man saying there?” Poli asked resting his head on Ody’s shoulder. “I’unno but I don't like his tone” Ody replied looking at Eurylochus.

Eurylochus couldn't care less, he was so worried that his friends were trapped like that, the he would have to explain to his sister in law, mother in law, and wife that Ody was like… THAT. Not to mention how devastated Polites’s family would be. The haven't left the island as they tried to hatch a plan, before someone pipes up “why don't we just lock them in the captain cabin”. “And what good would that do exactly?” Another asked, “Buddy, look at them” the first replied gesturing at the two men who were making out. Ody hd his hands on Polites's hips, guiding him back and forth as he deepens their kiss.

“Yup throw them in the cabin” Perimedes says already grabbing Polites off Odysseus, Elpenor followed with Odysseus.

[yescallmejosey]

something something being blessed by greeks gods

Decided to make an entire au based on the many different takes of the gods blessing different characters. By the way this is just me throwing ideas so it might be a bit...ooc.

Also this is going to be a long post so bear with me

PENELOPE

Ever since the Troyan war, Hera has made sure that Penelope's mental state does not deteriorate. She has blessed the woman with dreams of her husband, dreams of hope and reuniting him with her once again. On nights where Penelope cant sleep, Hera offers her the comfort of drowsiness and dreamless sleep. There are times in which Penelope cannot move or get out of bed or moments in which she can only look at the horizon, hoping that in the distance Odysseus's boat would become visible. And in those moments Hera speaks words in Telemachus's ears disguised as his own thoughts. They tell him to check on his mother and comfort her if that is what she needs.

But when the suitors came, Hera knew things would be so different. So she whispered words in Penelope's dreams with the voice of her husband, telling her to set The Challenge up in case of emergency. She couldnt help but to be proud of Penelope when she came up with the idea of tricking the men with her weaving.

She does small actions, hiding the weapons of the suitors in corners of the castle so they cannot reach them and taunt Telemachus. She floods the gardens with peacocks that bite the suitor's ankles and mess up their feasts. She grants Penelope swift thinking and steps when she does not want the suitors to be near her, or shuts doors on their faces.

There is not much Hera can do, not much that makes her husband realize she is favoring Penelope at least. She wishes she could reveal herself to the queen of Ithaca, offer her comfort and reassure her that her husband lives and that he is trying to get back home to her, but she cannot.

Penelope is the queen of Ithaca, loyal to her husband until her death. Hera is the queen of the gods, loyal to her husband for all eternity.

In a way, they are the same.

Except she can help Penelope to get the happy ending she always deserved

CTIMENE

I would be lying if I said i wasnt torn between making Hephaestus or Ares as Ctimene's partron gods. The truth is that they both fit.

Ares would understand the rage in Ctimene's heart, the jelousy that fills her mind. He is also the shadow of his sister, of Zeus's favorite child. He would teach Ctimene how to control her anger through fighting, the spear that collected dust could now have a purpose. She would leave behind her vases, never touching clay again before becoming a guard for the king of the Same.

Murder and bloodshed would be her first choice

Ruthlessness will not get her heart broken

Hephaestus would also understand her bitterness. The gods of Olympus treat him as something less than them just because he did not held beauty or because of his missing leg. He was disabled, but that did not mean he was useless. Creativity is his weapon, his out of the scarring feelings he held. He would reach to Ctimene to show her that her vases could be something wonderful, that she could do so much more. Learning about weapons and their weaknesses, learning how to make a rope dart with the magnents that the Seme gathered.

Her rage would be tamed by the abilities of her mind.

EURYLOCHUS

Eurylochus cares for those he loves and will fight for them if needed. We know he cares for the crew, their well being always being first for him. We know Aphrodite has a war side, Aphrodite Areia and that she is just as ruthless as a warrior to protect those she loves.

He would be her chosen one, and she bless him in so many different ways. The rush of adrenaline he feels when he thinks about Ctimene in the battle, the anger of the betrayal after Scylla.

His love for Ctimene fuels Aphrodite's caring nature, reminding her of her and her godly lover. Eurylohus and Ctimene are what Ares and Aphrodite could never be, happily married. The Olympians would frown upon that.

So she guides him, protects him as much as she can. Though her blessings sometimes are beyond needed. The art of seduction on a very a awkward does not turn out well and neither does the urges of the goddess to make him trick others in acts of lust.

Although

She is a good sex therapist and she does offer him good stamina when he and Ctimene have sex

I think I might write about that if you guys are interested

[insomniaruler]

I’m thinking A G A I N

(Someone needs to put me down like a lame horse)

Once Eurylochus got to the gates of the underworld and the all consuming gnawing in the pit of his stomach had subsided he sat down on the barren rock the final 40 members of the crew wailing around him, cursing Odysseus, cursing him, cursing the god of storms himself. They had not been buried, each dying in the roaring blast of heat and pain before darkness. No passage would be granted.

But Eurylochus was silent. All he could see was Odysseus, his friend, captain and brother. All he could hear was Odysseus pleading with the gods themselves, they could not need make him choose between himself or his crew. Eurylochus cradled his trembling hands, thinking back to the last conscious moments before hunger had taken his mind and soul.

Ody was right if Eurylochus had been given the chance to see home again, to see the shores of Ithaca, to taste fresh fruit, to hold his dearest Citmene just once more. Eurylochus would have taken it, anything.

The worst part is that he knew in his heart of hearts where only The goddess of love could see he had been the one to ruin their chance of going home only a year after the war when he was enraptured by the little bag Odysseus so guarded.

It was him who lead them too disaster after disaster. What would Odysseus his own sister about Eury’s death? Would he tell her the truth or refuse to answer, maybe tell her he died like a dog? Realistically Eurylochus knew Odysseus would not lie to his sister, he couldn’t. Citmene would see through it, she too was blessed by The goddess of wisdom and a descendant of the God of Trickery. His eyes grew heavy as the ferryman approached for the souls who’d been properly buried.

Looking down he sighed, translucent. Not whole, he’d never be because he was stuck on the other side. Perhaps this would be best, Eury hoped to avoid Polities for as long as possible, the man who’d once been one of his closest friends would not forgive him any time soon. Thus he let his eyes close, maybe he’d be absorbed into his misery.

He slept for a long time tucked against a wall of the seemingly endless chamber, cradled by the cold hard stone he felt he deserved. Eurylochus woke to whispers surrounding him, “you Eurylochus of Ithaca?” “You’re holding up the boat!” “Come on get up” “who paid your fare!?”.

Blinking Eurylochus shook off the deep sleep and started in the direction the fading hands had pointed him too. There on a rickety old dock sat an even older and rickety trireme which was packed to the walls with souls, some he recognized some he had forgotten.

As soon as he stepped into the boat it set off across the acrid Styx river. Approaching a face he recognized nudged him. “Who paid for us?” Eurylochus whispered. “The Captain did. He’s going home.” Then the soul spat “Don’ matter to me, when he gets down here I’ll show him exactly what lightning does to you.” The soul spat.

Once they reached the other side Eurylochus shuffled through the wailing masses towards what he hoped was rest, he really hoped he hadn’t pissed of the sun god enough to land himself in the pits of Tartarus.

Shuffling through lines of souls Eurylochus muttered a whispered prayer. It was all a blur but somehow Eurylochus avoided the pits and now he was walking through a marble, gold and gemstone lined cavern. Was this..? Elysisum? Someone was going to come to him and banish him to the nothingness.

As he walked he his mind flickered with images of the living world. Carefully he wandered, feeling out of place in this hall of heroes. suddenly the world flipped around and standing above him was a furious Polities, somehow he’d ended up on the floor staring up at the glimmering ceiling.

Then Eurylochus was pinned, a firm fist planted right into his eye. “How DARE you! How dare you.” Polities shouted yanking Eurylochus up by his shirt front. “Polities I-“ Eurylochus whispered as he was getting dragged to a small brazier holding a small fire. For a second he was worried Polities was about to throw him in it. But then he was in a heap on the ground in front of the flame.

In it he saw Odysseus, handing two large bags of coins to a ghostly figure. “He’s paying your passage, to Hermes. All of you. You- you traitors.” Polities whispered, fuming. “I’m sorry-“ Eury whispered. “I don’t need apologies, I knew you as a brother in arms, I’ve fought with you since childhood. Just like Odysseus. You’re a traitor to our oath.” Polities said, his glasses were whole again, Eurylochus had stowed Polities’ shattered wire frames in his breast sachet.

“Is- is Citmene okay?” This had been the one thought plaguing him since he crossed the Styx. “She’s fine, she won’t be when she finds out her husband was killed by The king of the gods himself.” Polities spat, he let Eurylochus up and eventually they found themselves watching as Odysseus smiled for the first time in years as he saw his home on the horizon.

“He’s doing it. He’s made it home.” Polities whispered in awe. “But what of the palace something is wrong.” Eurylochus muttered slipping into his old roll with ease. “Shh Let me bask for a little bit Eury.” Polities shushed him.

Thus they watched their Brother go home. Too where they could never return. Eurylochus saw Citmene sitting near a pillar looking out at the sea, she kissed her ring. Polities had to stop him from leaning so far he’d fall into the fire. “Oh Argos.” Polities muttered as the faithful companion went still. Eurylochus cried when Citimene sobbed openly over his armour, saved from wreckage after wreckage by Odysseus.

[averagecontentenjoyer121]

Ships I’ve seen on my FYP since I’ve started posting about Epic the Musical, also I’ve learned how to color text after 8 months of having Tumblr.

Canon:

Odysseus x Penlope

Eurylochus x ctimene

Telemachus x Nausicaa: I think that’s it

Calypso x Odysseus: put this because, kinda, and I don’t remember the context for the post just remember seeing

Circe X Odysseus

Ares X Aphrodite

Perimedes X Elpenor

Crack ships:

Odysseus x Poseidon x Zeus: this is completely my fault one of my friends told me about @anniflamma’s "manwhore au" and I though, "There's no way this is real," only now to be living the akira meme whenever pops up on my FYP

Antinious x Calypso: first saw this on @irunaki’s blog, but the supports do make a good argument for it. Quote, “they match each other’s freak.” Can’t argue with that

Diomedes x Odysseus: Idk how this started or who first subjected me to this, but I know why I’ve seen it. I made ONE, say it again ONE post with Diomedes and Odysseus hanging out as friends and the algorithm said, “you wanna see them kiss don’t you.” Either way pop off I guess and have fun DioXOdy fans out there.

Polites X Odysseus: once again kinda makes sense, or atleast I can see how this started, because the song cut song Your Light 100% gives of gay vibes

Hermes X Odysseus: I think I’ve see like one post regarding this, but still.

Artemis X Aeolus: Once again Don’t know who started this one but I remember first seeing this on @irunaki’s blog. Also, one of my favorite pieces of art comes from @sloanslone because it’s so cute.

Aeolus X Hermes: Don’t remember if this is an actual ship or not but it does have a ship name. Coming from another banger piece art by @sloanslone there relationship is called Cinnamon I believe

I feel like I’ve seen some with Apollo X someone, but don’t remember.

Siren X Athena: this Banger comes from @coquexari and I absolutely love this one. It’s just been presented in such a cute way that I love it. And the art she’s made for it is also really cute.

Circe X Calypso: Once again first saw this one on @irunaki’s blog, but I will say I haven’t seen it since the wisdom saga came out.

Eurylochus x Ares: by @thequeenofthedisneyverse

Eurylochus x Zeus

Eurylochus x random guy that gets eaten by Scylla: by @calciumyum

Aeolus X Apollo

Telemachus x antinious: It does exist, but I don’t remember where I’ve seen it

Diomedes x Odysseus x Penelope: Hi @wolfythewitch

Also I’ve seen Femboy Telemachus

Gotten Hades (game) ship art

Etc etc.

[protagaster]

Part 2 of the Warrior!Penelope Swap AU

I really wanted to introduce the crew's Golden Trio, or the ladies who are Penelope's version of Eurylochus & Polites. I think you'll all really like them :)!

(Cross-Posted on Ao3)

Full Speed Ahead

Finally, after having won the Trojan War and securing the future of the Greek world, Penelope and her crew brave the sea to make their way back home.  

~

Finally, after 10 long years, it was over. 

10 years of what many assumed would be endless warfare. 

10 years of watching husbands and wives be ripped away from each others’ embrace, of parents having to wipe the tears of their children whilst hiding their own, of being forced to say goodbye to the homes they spent their whole lives searching for. 

10 years of having to watch their friends and comrades be forever changed by the turmoils of war. Some were killed, those lucky few, while the others had the rest of their lives to adapt to their new bodies. 

10 years of constant battle, both mental and physical, in an effort to survive whilst knowing they would never be the same again. 

It was a long and hard-sought after ending, but against all odds the Greeks had managed it.

The Trojan War had officially come to an end.  

But by the Gods it wasn’t easy. 

Throughout that very first year of war everything that could have gone wrong, well, it went wrong. 

After the battle that took place subsequent to Helen’s rescue, practically every Greek man found his body to be damaged beyond repair. While many were expected to recover after long periods of rest, being told they would one day be able to wield their weapons in the name of spars, hunting, and training, they knew they could never again fight in a battlefield. 

That’s when the decree from the Gods came. 

Greece still needed an army. Because their men were no longer fit for war, it was the duty of the women to take their place in the battlefield. 

Once a daughter of Sparta, and later chosen to become the student of the God of War himself, Penelope was first to be picked for combat; her closest friends were picked shortly after. A small percentage of Ithaca’s women, those who were of age and considered skilled enough to survive Troy, were also forced to follow suit. 

It was a difficult decade, everyone could agree. There were times when even Penelope began to lose hope of this war ever coming to an end, all the blood and screaming permanently etched into her memory. 

But now, thanks to her tactical mind and ferocious combat prowess, the Greeks emerged victorious! 

No longer will she need to worry about every single decision of hers being questioned by her subordinates. 

No longer will she have to worry about the sounds of screams haunting her memories, hearing them at night as they keep her awake. 

No longer will she have to worry about a single one of her comrades being killed for the sake of pride, for she no longer had any enemies that would wish her nor her sisters harm.

~

Penelope sighed happily. 

Only moments ago she had bid a tearful goodbye to her cousin; Helen and Menelaus boarded a ship to Sparta, ecstatic they now had the rest of their lives to spend together. The same went for the rest of her sisters-in-arms, ready to finally live out the rest of the lives they had left behind. 

Something the women of Ithaca were hoping to achieve. 

Standing at the front of her ship, Penelope watched as the place that was once known as the Kingdom of Troy shrink smaller and smaller with distance. Soon there was no more land, only miles and miles of shimmering blue ocean water.

Penelope did not mind. 

After all, Ithaca was a kingdom surrounded by beaches. The ocean was like an old companion; though she may be unpredictable at times, you could always count on her to be right where you left her. 

She let the sea breeze blow through her hair, smelled the scent of sand and saltwater as they envelop her senses, and felt the cool air of open water embrace her like an old friend. 

Taking a peak over her shoulder, Penelope looked at each individual member aboard her main vessel. 

44 women. 

44 out of 600, to be exact. While Penelope knew she could trust every member of her fleet, especially with their gratitude in them all coming out of the war alive, there was just something different about the 44 women aboard her main vessel. 

There was an extra level of trust she put into these women in particular. Penelope knew inside her heart that out of her entire fleet, the members of this ship would be the first to support her no matter what.

Pulling herself out of her thoughts and returning to the moment at hand, Penelope watched as each of her sisters l did her individual part to ensure the ship navigated the wild waters quickly and smoothly. 

Looking over at the other 11 ships following her own, Penelope could see the women aboard those crafts were doing the same. 

Behind each and every woman's hard work and determination was a sense of excitement; finally, after 1 year of helplessness and 9 years of struggle, they were making their way back to Ithaca. 

“Six hundred friends,” Penelope sang out proudly, her sweet voice a melody flowing merrily with the sea's wind. “All of these women under my command! With only one goal in mind-” 

“Make it back alive to our homeland!” Her comrades finished for her. 

“Six hundred friends,” Penelope couldn’t help but be amazed as she ogled the powerful waves supporting her fleet, unable to help stretching her hand over the horizon.  “Six hundred miles of open sea,” 

Penelope eyebrows furrowed despite her cheer, for she knew deep within that her story was only just beginning 

“But the problem's not the distance-”

“It's what lies in between.” The others agreed. 

“And Ithaca's waiting!” Penelope belted. 

“Ithaca's waiting!” The others repeated.

“My kingdom is waiting!” Penelope's eyes glazed with yearning, knowing her home was only so far away. 

“The kingdom is waiting!” Her sisters exclaimed. 

Penelope smiled to herself, looking up at her still outstretched hand. Right there, standing out against the suns’ beams and tides’ gleam,  her wedding ring sparkled against the light blue background. 

Not once, these past ten years, had she allowed the ring to part from her person. The ring, a band of silver and ivory that was both modest and gorgeous, symbolized so much more to her than the union between her and her beloved husband. 

To Penelope, it was a reminder of the goal she’d work so hard to achieve for the past decade. What she promised herself she’d accomplish, no matter what it took. 

“Odysseus’ waiting for me!” 

Waiting...

“So full speed ahead…” 

Penelope gave her wedding ring a quick kiss, something she couldn’t help but do every time her eyes lingered on it. Letting her arm relax to her side, Penelope’s perspective of the sea once again claimed her eye. 

“Full speed ahead…” 

The sea breeze blew through her long dark hair, loose and free to sway like the waves below, and kissed her blooming cheeks, giving the appearance of a heroine of legend to all who gazed upon her.

“Captain!” 

Penelope was quick to give her full attention to the one who called out her name, for she recognized the voice of the women whose guided and stayed by her side since the day she first called Ithaca home. 

There she was, the shortest, strongest, and most trusted member of Penelope’s main crew. 

Ctimene.

Though she was small, Ctimene was not one to be underestimated. Even though it was her brother who was blessed with Athena’s guidance, the Goddess of Wisdom was also apt to pay special attention to his younger sister. 

Not only was she an occasional skeptic and formidable warrior in her own right, she was, of course, the princess of Ithaca. Fourth in the Kingdom’s hierarchy behind only Penelope, her brother Odysseus, and her niece Telemachas.

Her short wavy hair, mirroring that of her elder brother’s, tousled in the sea’s gale, perfectly framing her stern but caring eyes. Ctimene was one of the people whose beauty could never fade despite the amount of blemishes she obtained. Somehow, the faint scar going over her right eye only made her more attractive to the men who gazed upon her.

It was no wonder Eurylochus fell in love in such little time. 

Ctimene, with one hand on her hip, placed her other hand on her much taller captain’s arm. She gestured to a cluster of wooden barrels that were supposed to be filled. 

“Six hundred friends! Six hundred friends with starved mouths to feed,” she wordlessly commanded one of their comrades to tip a barrel, revealing its very empty contents. “And we've run out of supplies to eat.” 

“Curse the war, our food stores depleted.” 

“Six hundred friends,” Ctimene clenched her fists, unsure of whether she could withstand even more suffering for her friends. 

“Six hundred reasons to take what we can!” Ctimene, unsure of what they should do with this dilemma, looked to her sister-in-law with curiosity. “So captain, what's the plan?”

“Captain, what's the plan?”

Everyone wondered what plan the brilliant Penelope, Queen of Ithaca, the very reason behind the war’s end, could come up with in the face of this problem. 

Penelope only smiled, gesturing Ctimene to look up at the sky.

“Watch where the birds fly,” 

“Watch where the birds fly,” Her crew repeated after her. 

“They will lead us to land!” 

“They will lead us to land!” 

“There we'll hunt for food, my second in command,” Penelope spoke with courage, nothing but the utmost confidence in herself and her crew. 

“Now full speed ahead!” Penelope ordered her comrades to follow the large flock of birds, all of whom were heading east. “Full speed ahead!”

Ctimene, with a satisfied smile and complete trust in her captain’s plan, was quick to help Penelope direct the ships to their desired destination. 

“We're up, we're off, and away we go!” 

“We're up, we're off, and away we go.” The women all chanted as they managed the ships, all of whom with full faith in their Queen.

“Full speed ahead!” Penelope continued to cry with enthusiasm. 

“We're up, we're off, and away we go!” 

And with that, the 12 ships set sail following their avian guides. 

~

The fleet had been following the birds for quite a while, so long that the sun began to make contact with the ocean; the combination of their hues made for an enchanting mix of orange, pink, and blue. 

All this time Penelope had not once stopped herself from looking up, even when her neck began to sore and her eyes grew heavy. The birds should have found their way to the nearest land by now, so why hadn't they chosen to land just yet? 

“Captain!”

The second voice to call out for her that day, this one also familiar. However, this voice had a much more merry tone compared to the previous. 

Penelope met the eyes of the woman who seized her attention, unable to control her smile even if she wanted to. 

“Circes!”

Circes was the youngest of the friend group, though not by much. Like Ctimene, Penelope had first made Circe’s acquaintance shortly after making herself at home in Ithaca.

Once a simple village girl with nothing more than her optimism and clothes on her back, Circes and Penelope were quick to become close friends after the Ithacan native made an effort to teach her new Queen all about Ithaca’s culture and customs. Ctimene was almost always by Penelope’s side at that time, naturally leading to a bond between the Circes and the princess as well. 

After years of sparring, weaving, and simply enjoying the atmosphere of their home with each other as company, it was no wonder the three women grew as close as they are. 

Circes was a beautiful woman, which only made it more confusing once others realized she had never married. She was taller than Ctimene, though shorter than Penelope. Circes had light brown hair as long as Penelope's, always braided to the side. There'd always be a pink ribbon streaked between the locks, the ends knotted in a way that it almost resembled a rose; many of the other women would joke she was practically born with it.

Circes was a cheerful young lady who saw the best in others, eager to use words before resorting to weapons. However, do not mistake her altruism for naiveté; Circes was still a warrior and survivor of the Trojan war. 

She just preferred to use the same philosophy that blessed her with a Goddess’ name. 

“Look!” Circes pointed toward the horizon, where a tiny speck was beginning to grow larger and more distinct as the ship inched closer. “There in the distance, I see an island, I see a light that faintly glows,” 

It was just as Circes said. 

Now practically within swimming distance of the mysterious island, every woman could see a bright orange glow emanating from within the foliage.  

“Maybe they're people lighting a fire. Maybe they'll share some food, who knows?” 

… 

No, Penelope thought to herself, feeling something was wrong. 

From a single glance the captain could sense something sinister about the Island. It was perfect. 

Too perfect. 

“Something feels off here…” Penelope looked up at the Island’s sky, confirming her suspicions. “I see fire but there's no smoke…” 

Ctimene, one who truly embraced Ares’ philosophy, already had one hand ready on the hilt of her broadsword. 

“I say we strike first! We don't have time to waste so let's raid the place and-” 

“No.” 

Both Ctimene and Circes gazed in shock, for Penelope was a stickler for manners and not one to interrupt others mid-speech. However, the woman in question just couldn’t allow herself to entertain Ctimene’s plan for even a second. 

Penelope can’t needlessly kill anyone else!

She just can’t…

… 

…that time…the infant… 

That was the whim of the Gods! She had to do it! 

She had no choice…

…

But this time she does! Penelope can choose whether she wants to show ruthlessness or mercy! 

And this time, she chooses mercy. 

“Circes gear up.” Penelope ordered of her friend. “You and I'll go ahead.” 

“You and I'll go ahead!” Circes repeated happily, realizing Penelope wanted to try things her way. 

“We should try to find a way no one ends up dead.”

Ctimene, however, just could not allow herself to agree with this plan. 

“We don't know what's ahead!” The second-in-command reminded, hoping her sister would give this “plan” some more thought. 

Unfortunately for Ctimene, Penelope was as stubborn a woman as a woman could be. 

“Give me 'til sunrise,” Penelope pleaded, placing a reassuring hand on Ctimene’s shoulder. “And if we don't return-” 

Penelope gestured to the large army of women ready to fight in her name.

“Then six hundred friends will make this whole place burn!” 

Beckoning Circes to follow her, Penelope ran toward the rafts attached to the side of the ship’s hull. 

“Now full speed ahead!” 

Circes and Ctimene glanced at the other, aware that despite their strong bond they both had very different approaches to their views and life and means of self-preservation. 

Still, orders were orders. 

“Full speed ahead!” The rest of the crew chanted amongst themselves. 

With a small shrug, Circes ran to meet her captain from within the small raft.

Ctimene, despite a light shake of her head in what was clear disapproval, went on to command the rest of the women in her captain’s stead. 

“Full speed ahead!”

“We're up, we're off, and away we go!” Penelope untied the raft’s bindings, Circes quick to lend a hand. 

We're up, we're off, and away we go-

With both women having released the raft from all of its bindings, their weapons on their persons should the worst come to be, they were prepared to sail. 

“Full speed ahead!” 

Lowering the raft onto the calm black of night’s ocean, Penelope and Circes began to row themselves toward the lone isle.  

We're up, we're off, and away we go-

The others watched Penelope and Circes sail to the island, hoping for the best and prepared for the worst. 

Despite her previous dispositions, Ctimene watched them with a look of genuine worry. She prayed to the Gods above for her friends’ safe returns, for who knew what they could encounter in this journey.  

We're up, we're off, and a-

“Full speed ahead!”

It was not long, practically minutes if one were counting, before Penelope’s and Circes’ raft made contact with the island’s sand. 

[fallen-angel-with-broken-halo]

As a self-proclaimed fan of Epic: The Musical. Here's a breakdown of my thoughts on the newest saga! Spoilers for the Thunder Saga, obviously.

Love the melody on "Suffering." Especially the beginning. A lot about the song shows that something is off. The way the siren is trying to convince him to get in the water, to let her take away his suffering. In the meantime, Odysseus is manipulating her back, telling lies and letting her eat them up. Making her tell him how to avoid Poseidon is so obvious to the listener, but the siren was so oblivious. The almost playful banter is peak. (Her little "of course" and "oh no" kill me every time. It's so cute~)

"Different Beast" is INTENSE. The way Odysseus talks/sings shows how much his personality and behaviour changed in "Monster." The "we" changing to "he" in the chorus makes this all the more obvious. The sirens pleading for being spared, Odysseus showing no mercy because he was already hurt as a result of it before. He couldn't allow himself to make the same mistake. Ordering to kill them all while surrounded by screams... "He is the man-made monster." Love this double-entendre.

"Scylla" is gorgeous. And again, it's very telling about Odysseus and his mental state. First, we have Scylla coaxing Eurylochus to reveal his secret to further the roots of distrust within the crew and adding another reason for the later on betrayals. I find Odysseus saying that there's not much to say quite interesting but also again, showing how he truly felt. He was done. He just wanted to go home. Then there's her speaking to Odysseus. He knew that he wouldn't get out of there with everyone alive. And she knew that he knew. "Deep down, we only care for ourselves." That was a huge callout to Odysseus. He always acts like everything he does is for his son and wife, but in fact, that's very selfish when constantly facing foes with his crew. He prioritizes himself going home over others, allowing them to die. "Deep down, we're lonely demons from hell." That line has so many implications, not only calling back to Odysseus just recently leaving the Underworld, but also him becoming the monster. The lonely part has only gradually increased since the death of Polites, with everyone starting to turn on each other, which would culminate soon after this encounter. The final monologue of Scylla tells more about Odysseus than her, honestly. He had to both shed and be witness to the shedding of blood. He also had to give up his ideals so he could go home. They are the same. They both have hands bathed in blood, which reminds me of Odysseus singing in "Monster" about his foes and how they did not regret doing what they felt was right.

"Mutiny." Eurylochus had had enough of Odysseus prioritizing himself going home. He was not the only one who had something to say about it, however. The rest of the crew were also mad at Odysseus' willingness to trade their lives for his family. Odysseus didn't want to fight. He wanted to deescalate the conflict, but it was futile. Eurylochus was tired of suffering, people around him dying, awful living conditions, starvation. That essentially became the crews doom. The callbacks to "Just A Man" and "Luck Runs Out" in this one are painful. Also, the musical motif from "Survive" when Odysseus woke up and Eurylochus monologued! I don't know if there's an official name for it, but I adore it. Also, Eurylochus and Odysseus have pretty much switched roles in this one. Except in both cases, "Keep Your Friends Close" and "Mutiny," it was actually Eurylochus angering the gods. Another reason for what would happen in the next song.

"Thunder Bringer" is probably my favourite from the saga at the moment. The melody, Zeus' voice, the LYRICS! Personifying pride and constantly referring it to Odysseus, trying to uncover Odysseus' true nature by giving him the choice between his own life and his crew. Considering everything we know about his choices so far, we can easily agree with Zeus when he thinks Odysseus would choose himself. Every callback to the chorus of "Just A Man" hurts, and this one is no different, almost fighting against Penelope's voice. While the soldiers remind him that he's become the monster, his wife offers relief from the suffering. His choice is obvious. The countless betrayals, his tiredness from all the years of war and travel... All he wants is to be welcomed home with open arms (reference intended). But wow, the final exchange between Odysseus and Eurylochus- Odysseus sounds so damn desperate and scared, and Eurylochus resigned to his fate. The truth is revealed. "Deep down, I would trade the world to see my son and wife. I'm just a man."

[gastoninadress]

Frustrating things people are getting wrong in the new Thunder saga in Epic the musical (spoilers for Thunder saga):

- Odysseus did have Eurylochus holding a torch when they passed through Scylla’s lair. He completely intended to kill him. The reason he lived is because he gave away his torch after he saw the men getting eaten.

- Eurylochus has every right to be mad. Not just because Odysseus had just shown that his crew was now disposable to him, but also because Odysseus literally just tried to KILL HIM.

- On the other side for Odysseus this was by far the safest option. The danger motif didn’t play once during Scylla because Odysseus was never in danger.

- Would a starving crew that just found out their captain was okay with letting them die just to get home mutiny? I think so, especially if he’s about to murder the second-in-command. Screaming “I won’t let you stand in my way” doesn’t look real good for you Odysseus.

- A bunch of people are saying that the crew was stupid for having killed the cows. Eurylochus was the one that killed one, and he tells Odysseus “you know we’re never making it home right”. He was prepared to die, he just wanted to die in comfort. Odysseus freaking out and trying to save them was probably a surprise for him.

- Was Odysseus right to sacrifice his crew? Debatable. His crew would have easily sacrificed him for their own lives. Odysseus had a whole arc on how he was a monster now, and how his family had become his sole motivation. Considering everything, it made complete sense for his character. Especially after the mutiny, since he now had his crew as an obstacle rather than a group he was leading.

-I’ve seen some things about how Odysseus was stupid for listening to the words of a siren for directions. In the original, Circe is the one who gives him directions, and the reason Scylla is the only option is because the other side of the route holds Charybdis. If they had gone that route him and his entire crew would have died. Circe was also the one who told him about the six torches, but I think in this one he is implied to have come up with it himself.

-People calling him stupid for listening to the siren also need to know that in the original, only his crew put beeswax in their ears. Odysseus had his crew tie him to the mast and then they basically watched him go crazy and try and get out of the ropes and into the water until they passed the sirens. Odysseus has always been this way, this is obviously why Athena chose him.

[sassylovermongerbear]

Polites is one of my favourite characters of Epic, even if he barely is in it, cause he is such a genuine kind soul and loyal friend. He is a free spirit that see the good in the world even after years of war and he is trying to help Odysseus to relax and enjoy life after the war. He is his best friend and he does his best to make him happy.

He is so kindhearted that even in death he's still trying to tell his best friend to see the good in the world. In the underworld saga we hear him sing open arms even if it's in a sadder way than the upbeat version in the first saga. All while the rest of his men trash him and blames him for their death when his only fault was to give his name to the Cyclops.

Meanwhile the man that actually betrayed them all, including his captain that he dare called his brother, get to go blame free ? And then keep betraying them over and over, telling Odysseus to leave them behind on Circe's island and opening the bag with the storm cause he was greedy and wanted to get his hand on the supposed treasure. He didn't believe in Odysseus, not once, only listening to him when he got them out of the shit Eurylochus put them in. Even in the cave with the Cyclops Odysseus clearly had a plan but Eurylochus kept punching to ran away when Odysseus proved many time, especially during the war, that he was smart and could get them to win.

And I think Odysseus knew that. He knew that the only person he could actually trust was Polites and he tried to honour his memory by trusting others, by revealing his name to the Cyclops and letting them live. Because that's what Polites would have done, he would have spared the Cyclops. It was his way of remembering him. He tried to go keep an open mind all along but things just never works out cause while he trust his crew, they don't trust him back.

That's why in the underworld saga seeing Polites and his mom hit the hardest cause, while his other crew members blames him for their death, wrongfully so, he is already eaten by guilt, but those 2 don't blame him at all. Sure they are sad but they don't blame him. Which make it worst for him cause he realised that those person that believed in him completely still do even in death, but they are dead and that's the only time he'll be able to see thel again befire he dies himself and he cant even stop to talk to thel properly. Plus his mom being here just show him how long it actually has been since he left which feel far more than it actually been for him in that instant. Yet she still loves him and doesn't blame him, while the 599 other men he brought in war, he lead them and didn't let a single one of them die for 10 years, blames him for their death when he always did his very best to get everyone home safely.

Out of all the 600 men under his command only one was truly loyal to him even in death. Odysseus realised that in the underworld and I think that's what pushed him to turn into a "monster" and putting himself first after this because everyone blames him for everything when he just wanted to get home with all his soldiers.

Polites is my favourite characters cause even if he doesn't stay in the story for long his impact goes far beyond. At least in my opinion, that's just my interpretation of it

[little-cereal-draws]

@scuorge101 I had some headcanons for your alive!Polites au! (I hope that's ok)

Eurylochus lowkey became the captain after the cyclopes incident bc Odysseus was spending 24/7 next to Polites' bed

Odysseus let him use his captain bed (which was slightly better than the others) and either slept on the floor or on a stool next to him

nobody blamed Odysseus for not being there tho, they all knew it was serious

it still takes them several years to get home but not as long as it does in canon. in that time tho, Polites recovers somewhat

he likes to sit on deck and feel the wind on his face. this is also where he talks with the crew and tries to lift their spirits

Odysseus cries bc he's being eaten alive by guilt but somehow Polites is still optimistic even after all he's been through

Polites cries a lot back in his room tho (sometimes in front of Odysseus, sometimes keeping it a secret from him)

he makes more progress back in Ithaca where they have access to actual doctors. He sort of learns to walk again but it's never like it was before. He can shuffle from one room to the next, either holding onto Odysseus' elbow or the wall for support, but then immediately has to sit down

it takes a lot out of him to move from his bedroom to the dining hall, the living room to the garden, etc. Anywhere farther than one room is all his exercise for the day

his speech is messed up too. By the time they get back to Ithaca, he can speak again but his words are slurred which can make it hard to understand him sometimes. He'll also mix up words, make up words he thinks are real, or say words in random unintelligible orders. A modern doctor would call it "word salad"

This doesn't happen all the time tho, and he actually loves to talk to people. Odysseus, Eurylochus, and Telemachus are his favorites. He doesn't like talking about himself much -I don't think he ever would- but he loves asking them about their days

(let's pretend the ancient Greeks had wheelchairs) Telemachus loves to push him around and they get really close that way. Telemachus will push him out to the garden and they can easily spend all day there talking, bird watching, or napping. If Polites isn't in his room, you can find him wherever Telemachus is

Polites loves to go in the garden bc he was cooped up in his tiny suffocating room on the ship for nearly a year before he was well enough to make the journey upstairs. He can't bear to be trapped in his room anymore

Odysseus helps him take all his medicine (mostly painkilling herbs), redo his bandages, walk places, eat when his hands are too weak, and, in the beginning on the ship, go to the bathroom and bathe

Odysseus checks up on him every night before bed too. He'll take more painkiller and have Odysseus help him lay down. By the time it's night tho, he's usually not feeling well at all and is either mostly or all the way nonverbal

a bit of fanfiction to end: At dinner, Polites always sits next to Odysseus. Polies' hand suddenly falls to the table and he drops the food. Odysseus looks over. "Are you ok? Do you want help eating?" his friend asks. Polites grimaces down at his food. His skull is pounding like Athena is being born again and his hand won't close around the bread he wants. "Yes," he manages to get out. Odysseus holds the food up while he nibbles on it. He groans and squeezes his eyes shut. Hurts, hurts, it all hurts. His body is on fire. "Do you want to lay down?" he hears Odysseus gently ask. He nods; he can't think of the words to respond. "Ok," Odysseus says, quickly nodding to Penelope. "I'll be right back." She hums in acknowledgment and Polites feels Odysseus stand up and get ready to help him up.